Hunt for ferry-jump boy called off

The search for a teenager who jumped into a river from a ferry has been called off, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.

PUBLISHED: 06:42, Tue, Jan 1, 2013

Jordan Cobb, 16, from Plymouth, was seen jumping from the Torpoint ferry into the River Tamar (Devon [PA]

Coastguard rescue teams, a helicopter, police and Ministry of Defence launches, Dartmoor Rescue Group and Plymouth's all-weather and inshore lifeboats were all involved in the hunt for 16-year-old Jordan Cobb.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency tweeted: "Today's search for man missing near the Torpoint Ferry slipway, Cornwall, has been stood down. Despite an extensive search he wasn't found."

Brixham Coastguard was first alerted after receiving a Mayday distress call from the Torpoint ferry at 9.15pm reporting a man overboard near the ferry's slipway in Torpoint, Cornwall.

Police, the coastguard and the RNLI conducted an extensive search of the River Tamar for the teenager after he failed to reappear. The search had resumed on Tuesday morning and there was a possibility he had managed to swim ashore.

Friends of Jordan, from Plymouth, took to social networking sites to pray for his safe return. Matt Lethbridge tweeted: "Happy new year people but thought are with Jordan Cobb. Praying for you my man." He later added: "Going sleep hoping to wake up to good news about Jordan Cobb. Thoughts are with you mate."

Lauren Prend tweeted: "Praying for Jordan Cobb to be safe, can't believe what's happened to him. Wasn't that long ago when I spoke to him! Love you Jordan xxx"

The Torpoint Ferry, which is pulled across the River Tamar on chains, is one of the main ways to travel between Devon and Cornwall and was established in 1791.

Friend Savanah Rich appealed on Facebook for anyone with information about Jordan to come forward. She said: "Never give up hope. I will search day in day out until I find you Jord.

"I have total faith that your (sic) still out there somewhere, hate being depressed, being sick and deprived of sleep but I'm not giving up on you just yet! Love you so much."